The Alpha Killed My Husband

11| Dear Tarifa

‘I want to go out.’ I tell the woman who I have figured out works as Luna’s Personal Secretary c*m bodyguard, Shanaya as I pushed the plate away.

The sight of little octopus wiggling makes my stomach churn. How can that abominable piece of s**t be someone’s favorite? Not only the wolves are monsters walking on two legs in shifted forms, but they are also unbearable.

They eat animals alive!

Surely, Serpents like to feast on other animals too—mostly mice, and rat hunters. It is part of the ecosystem and functions accordingly. Nevertheless, none is swallowed alive. What’s the point in finding pleasure in someone’s agony? It’s unjustifiable in whatever way I could think of.

Get it away from me! Nagini hissed in anger.

I look up at Shanaya who looks around me with the eyes of a hawk. Her postures are rigid and disciplined. The stern glare (a permanent expression) clearly gives do-not-dare-mess-with-me-unless-you-want-your-bones-broken vibes. Her broad shoulder, built-up frame, and tall looming persona assure me of her competency in the work assigned.

If compelled, the she-wolf can kill in a snap without a doubt. She can. I can feel it. She. Can.

‘I am sorry, Luna. You cannot. Alpha has strictly told me to make sure you rest properly. He will kill me if he finds I have let you off.’ The awful excuse for a she-wolf mumbles with a frown itched on her already ugly face. Her face is an unpleasant sight. Moreover, her presence is non-negotiable. She is newly recruited for the position (around a week ago), replacing the original secretary, Sneha.

Sneha, I have been told, is Luna’s personal favorite and one of her closest friends. She has been serving Aaradhya for nine years and often switches roles from the adviser to assessor.

Fortunately, the she-wolf is on maternity leave and would not be able to resume for the coming forty-two weeks. The maids had giggled while stating that it’s her fourth pup and Jay (her formidable mate) plans on stretching the family more.

Lust-filled creatures thinking through their d***s!

There was a teasing silence in the air thereafter. Clearly, the next heir of the region is expected soon…not soon enough to prevent the mass destruction inching closer. I ignored their remarks about how Luna Queen Laxmi is going to reprimand me for not giving her the due grandson and talk to my overbearing secretary instead.

There is so much to change! I ponder.

‘You are my secretary, not his. I am your boss. You are only answerable for what I tell you to do and no one. I do not remember asking you if I could step out. I am ordering you to prepare the car for me. I. Am. Going. Out. Right. Now.’ I emphasize through gritted teeth.

My retort in an enraged voice immediately silenced the giggles. The house help shares the look. They did not utter a word. The silence is deafening. Still, the ugly beast does not show any intention of budging from her place.

Her indifference pisses me off.

'Need I repeat myself?' I pestered with the superiority to show her who is in the control. It takes her a while to register my command. Nonetheless, she nods with a click of her tongue and leaves the living room with a bow.

The tension is thick in the air. The lightheartedness has completely vanished.

I am not used to being bossed around by any lay creature, especially a dog. I have never been compelled to follow anyone except the Maharaja Vachaspati. It is going to remain the same no matter where I live.

Though I am not a queen here, I am a Luna which makes me equal to Alpha’s rank. If he is the ruler, so I am. I take a slice of the carrot and throw it away.

'Who the hell brought-'

‘You did not touch the octopus curry, my dear. Do you not like it?’ A shaky voice calls for my attention, cutting my tantrum off. I look over to find a wrinkled face, looking up at me with concerned-filled eyes.

It’s an old she-wolf, bent slightly from the shoulder and down the waist. Her hair is grey while her eyes hold fatigue. I have neither seen nor heard of this she-wolf ever.

The staff around me immediately bows in respect. Lucidia helps the lady with a chair and serves her the dreadful wiggly octopus curry too. She motions her to stop and peer at me attentively.

Who is she? Nagini is intrigued.

Surely, I met Alpha’s mother in Samrajya years back, but she doesn’t slightly resemble the charming lady. Yet her manner of talking, the commands of respect, the authority—she has to be someone significant.

‘Do you still not feel good, darling? Do you want me to make stew? You have barely touched any meal.’ She smiles at me, pointing at the ready-to-divulge plates.

Her smile captures my heart in a snap as I stare at the wolf unblinkingly. My heart flutters at the sight of her.

‘Aary?’ She calls in a soft voice as if talking to a baby. Her eyes are soft and adorable. There is a certain tenderness around her that instantly makes me feel affectionate toward her.

I almost longed to…take care of her. It’s a feeling I have not felt for ages.

‘Aary?’ She repeats the foreign name that is now deeply associated with my identity. It takes me a while to register that she is expecting a reply.

I want her…I need her to call me…Sarvui.

‘Aary, have you lost your head? Hearing abilities?’ She looks around unsure.

I think we are in trouble. Nagini curses in the head as I stare at the she-wolf with yearning eyes. Get a grip on yourself! She reprimands. If I do not respond in seconds, she will smell something fishy contact with the Alpha right away and then I will be busted. For the sake of Lord AnanthNath, say something, Sarva

‘I,’ I gulp. I clear my throat to find my voice while I pin her in an unflinching gaze. I search her eyes for a clue that can help me out. Anything will do but I want to keep looking at her age-worn face.

Speak, Sarva. Speak something! I encourage myself.

‘I do…’

‘Let it on me, Tarifa! I will prepare it right away.’ Luckily the maid chirps in. Though she has spoken the words with laced friendliness, there is all the required respect present.

She is Tarifa. I gasp inaudibly, tears threatening to pool in my eyes. I make a mental note to find information about the wolf later as I start speaking a bit confidently this time.

Nevertheless, the emotions are there and so are the conflicts.

‘Let it be, Tarifa. I am good. I did not feel like eating anything. I just want to go out. It’s suffocating here.’ I smile tenderly at her, grabbing the plate again.

There is a certain warmth in the lady that pulls me towards her. I am certain if she’d asked me to eat my own poison, I would have happily done it.

It reminds me of Mother.

I close my eyes to put myself together. It ain’t the time to get all weepy, Sarva. Whatever it is, we will figure it out later. I remind myself with a scold.

‘My dear! Do not bother yourself. Just go out! I will prepare your favorite lunch.’ She lightly strokes my head before she places a soft kiss on my forehead.

There again…the flattering emotions.

‘The car is ready, Luna.’ The ungrateful b***h interrupts the electrifying moment. I feel like choking her with the tail before I will dig holes in her skull with my fangs.

‘I’ll be right back.’ I kiss Tarifa’s palm, standing up. I beam at her with the greatest smile I could flash. This one comes straight from the heart.

It’s time to meet Luna Aaradhya…Nagini withers in desperation.

‘You cannot wait to kill. Can you?’ I giggle at the evil serpent as I follow a close trail with the she-devil.